DIY Advent calendar for cyclists: 24 ideas
In short: A home-made Advent calendar for cyclists mixes small consumables, snacks for rides, useful tools and a few personal doors. With 24 ideas at roughly €1 to €10 per door, you end up with a total budget of around €60–120. A bigger gift is ideal for the 24th door. Our wall mounts: order by 14 December = delivery before Christmas.
What goes into an Advent calendar for cyclists?
A good calendar follows a rhythm: something small on most days, something better on the Advent Sundays and the highlight on the 24th. Make sure the items suit the bike. For inner tubes and valve caps you need to know the tyre size and valve type; if in doubt, leave them out. A tip from experience: write down a list of the 24 days and the budget per door beforehand, otherwise the calendar quickly gets more expensive than planned.
24 ideas for a cycling Advent calendar
Small doors up to about €3
- An energy bar for the next ride
- A puncture repair kit in a small tin
- Reflective spoke clips
- A pack of electrolyte tablets
- A set of cable ties for emergency repairs on the road
- A bike sticker for the frame or laptop
- A handwritten note with a ride idea for the spring
- Disposable gloves for the next chain clean
Medium doors from about €3–8
- Plastic tyre levers
- A reflective trouser band
- A small bottle of chain oil
- A rain cover for the saddle
- A microfibre cloth for cleaning the bike
- An energy gel in a new flavour to try
- Valve caps in a favourite colour (only if you know the valve type)
- A mini calendar with local cycling events
Larger doors from about €8–15
- A winter helmet liner cap
- A small USB rear light
- A multi-tool with the common Allen key sizes
- A new bike bell
- Merino cycling socks
- A brush for the cassette and chainring
- Felt wheel strap Fred or Barni for €10, if the bike hangs on the wall
The 24th door
- The highlight: for example a place at a cycling event, a bright, road-legal light set (StVZO-approved), a ride for two with a café stop or a wooden wall mount.
How to build the calendar
- Containers: 24 small paper bags on a string, attached with clothes pegs. An old bike chain makes a particularly nice hanger, as long as it has been thoroughly degreased first.
- On the bike itself: If the bike hangs on the wall, you can attach the bags directly to the handlebars and frame. Don't tie anything to the brake or gear cables.
- Numbers: Use chalk or a stamp. The bags with large items go at the bottom.
- Snacks: Check the best-before dates; bars and gels usually keep for a long time.
Variations for different cyclists
The list above suits most cyclists. With a few small swaps you can turn it into a calendar for a specific type of rider:
- Road cyclists: More gels and bars, and a set of spare inner tubes in the right size instead of spoke clips.
- Mountain bikers: A tubeless repair kit, frame protection film and a brush for mud.
- Commuters: Reflective bands, a saddle cover, a second rear light and waterproof overshoes.
- Children and teenagers: A colourful bell, spoke reflectors and a small tool.
You will find more ideas for each type in the gifts for road cyclists and for bike commuters.
When does a wall mount make a good door 24?
A wall mount is a lovely finale if the bike has been standing in the basement or hallway so far. It won't fit in a bag, but on day 24 a card saying “Take a look in the hallway” can lead to the box. For smaller budgets there is Henry (€65); a little more generous is Oskar from €89. To be honest, not suitable: e-bikes over 20 kg and bikes without a top tube. Find out how our bike wall mount is made and who is behind it on our homepage.
Checklist: Does a wall mount suit the recipient's bike?
Top tube present, weight under about 20 kg, handlebars up to approx. 60 cm (wider ones turn in, but the bike still holds). More: Hanging your bike in the flat.
Timing and more ideas
To have door 1 ready on 1 December, it's best to go shopping in mid-November. Our mounts are made to order (approx. 7–10 days). Order by 14 December = delivery before Christmas. More small ideas: Secret Santa gifts for cyclists. How to wrap the calendar nicely: Wrapping bike gifts. For an overview, see the gift guide for cyclists.
Frequently asked questions
What can you put in an Advent calendar for cyclists?
Energy bars, a puncture repair kit, reflectors, chain oil, tyre levers, a multi-tool, cycling socks and a bigger gift on the 24th.
How much does a home-made cycling Advent calendar cost?
With small items at around €1–8 and a few bigger doors, you will typically spend €60–120, not counting the highlight on the 24th.
Can you buy ready-made Advent calendars for cyclists?
Yes, ready-made calendars with care products or snacks are available in shops. But if you fill it yourself, you can tailor it exactly to the bike and the person's preferences.